Initially, Toni Telin had little interest in military vehicles, but that changed when he started working at Patria. As a software developer, he quickly became fascinated by the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment.

Electrical and Automation Design Engineer Toni Telin has worked for just over two years at Patria’s vehicle factory in Hämeenlinna. As a professional in electrical, automation, and software engineering, his responsibilities include developing vehicle control systems.
– I’ve worked on both Patria AMV XP 8x8 and Patria 6x6 vehicles. Recently, my tasks have especially focused on the control systems and software of the 6x6 vehicles, Toni says.

The control system of an armoured wheeled vehicle consists of several parts. The role of the software is to enable the engine, transmission, sensors, and other devices to communicate with one another.
– You might not necessarily see from the outside that there’s a lot of electronics, various subsystems, and software behind the scenes, Toni points out.

The control system software is the result of Patria’s long development work. However, it requires continuous further development as vehicles need new capabilities and Patria takes on new customer projects.

Vehicle performance made an impression

Toni studied electrical engineering at the University of Tampere, but he also specialized in automation and embedded systems. Towards the end of his studies, he focused increasingly on software design.

Alongside his studies, Toni did software development at a company manufacturing hydraulic systems. He applied for a job at Patria shortly after graduating.
– My studies and previous work experience have provided an excellent foundation for the tasks I’ve taken on at Patria, Toni says.

My studies and previous work experience have provided an excellent foundation for the tasks I’ve taken on at Patria.

He notes that the control systems of military vehicles are similar to those found in heavy civilian vehicles. However, in military use, special attention must be paid to performance, reliability, and controllability in even the most challenging environments.

Toni became familiar with heavy machinery at a young age, as his father owns an earthmoving business. Military equipment didn’t particularly interest him before, but his opinion changed immediately from the first day at Patria.
– These are exciting machines whose performance I’ve come to appreciate. I’ve also had the chance to drive the vehicles off-road, and that’s an incredible experience. Afterwards, you understand their performance on a whole new level.

Patria offers long-term career prospects

Toni partly chose to become a software developer because, at the time, there was a guaranteed job market for coders. Just a few years ago, there was a severe shortage of professionals in the field. Now, many are unemployed.

For this reason, too, Toni is happy with his career choice at Patria, as the defence industry offers interesting work far into the future. Patria’s order book for armoured vehicles has reached a record high. Some of the vehicles are assembled in Hämeenlinna, while others are built in the countries placing the orders.

In addition to armoured wheeled vehicles, Patria will soon begin manufacturing the new Patria TRACKX tracked vehicle, whose control system Toni will likely also get to know.

In addition to armoured wheeled vehicles, Patria will soon begin manufacturing the new Patria TRACKX tracked vehicle.

In the software industry, a hot topic is the rapidly developing AI tools, which are expected to replace some of the work done by coders. According to Toni, software development for military vehicles is a specialized field where the use of AI is quite limited.
– Developing software requires understanding complex systems and demanding customer needs. In these matters, AI wouldn’t be much help; solving them will continue to require human intelligence.

Flexible working hours are a big help in everyday life

Toni’s family includes two young children aged 2 and 4, so his free time is largely spent on daily routines. He feels that combining work and family life is smooth at Patria.
– There has always been enough flexibility for family life whenever I’ve needed it. In design roles, flexible working hours also make everyday tasks much easier.

Toni makes sure to leave time for relaxing hobbies as well.
– The children go to bed fairly early, so in the evenings I can get to the gym. Depending on the season, I also enjoy playing darts, frisbee golf, and fishing. I’m not very good at resting on my laurels.

Text: Matti Remes

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